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Has anyone had laser back surgery?

I just went to a seminar and the doctor was describing the surgery. Basically, they can fix spinal stenosis, herniated discs, facet joints, and all the other kinds of back problems using a laser.I have a herniated disc that is also torn. He said what he would do is go in there with the laser and take off the herniated fluid and then use the laser to seal up the tears. I am so excited about this as it seems like it is a less invasive way of treating my problem than getting a fusion or disc replacement. I asked him if things don't go right would it be possible to have a disc replacement after and he said yes.The reason I am skeptical is that I have not heard a lot of people talk about it. On the other hand, I did not hear anything that alarmed me about the procedure. It is done at the Laser Spine Institute- there is one in Texas and one in Florida. Apparently the good thing about this Institute is that there is a team of surgeons who are specially trained and this is all they do.I don't know. Please let me know if you have any experience with this. I don't want to have a disc replacement because it seems like such a drastic procedure. I just know something has to be done about my back.

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Hiya Christine, >:D< I have never heard of laser surgery :O . So am i right in thinking you are still cut? Disc replacements are quite successful about 85% . Even though you are confident about this doctor,because its new thing , i would research it :? .Actually reseach both , see which is the better option :S . I would not make a decision on the fact that its less invasive :? . You have to decide on the better option for you . Keep us Posted! >:D< PM me anytime . :H

I think there was a thread about this on the old forum. If I recall it correctly, it is a rather expensive procedure ($30 or 40 K) payable before surgery and no insurances accepted. The followup support was not always there. I may be mistaken, but do some more research and ask them very specific questions before you agree to have that procedure. Usually when they do not accept insurance payment it indicates that the procedure may be experimental or not approved by the FDA.

Thank you for the advice. Yes, it is very expensive. It costs $30,000 upfront and they want you to pay the whole thing then have your insurance pay you back.

Eww. Not good about follow up support. I am looking for this kind of information. According to LSI, they make you question why everyone else isn't doing it. I am going to look into whether or not is approved by the FDA.

I tried to find the thread for people talking about Laser Surgery and I could not find it. Well, I guess I hope some people will respond to my question. It is a good topic for all back patients to discuss.

Earlier this year about a new laser back surgery. Unfortunately I don't have the information on it. I just remember reading that it was new, supposed to be more successful, less invasive, faster recovery.

But again, I can't give you any specifics, nor do I even know if the article was true. I have been curious about this myself, since learning of my own back issues and would like more info on it. (Im off to check out the links above )

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